Unearthing Pompeii!

      The city of Pompeii was an Ancient Roman town near modern day Naples, Italy. Founded in the sixth or seventh century B.C. and captured by Romans in 80 B.C., sadly, Pompeii was mostly destroyed and buried in up to 20ft of ash and pumice after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 75 A.D.. At the time of the eruption, Pompeii was a prosperous place a complex water system, a port, amphitheater, and a population of around 20,000.

Rediscovering Pompeii

    In 1599, when digging to create river channels, ancient walls with paintings and inscriptions were found. These findings were disregarded due to the erotic nature of the paintings found. Excavations slowly started and stopped again several times in the 1700s and 1800s. In 2000, the excavated sites of Pompeii were finally reopened.

Pompeii Ruins

Famous Homes

• House of the Faun - Built second century B.C. and was one of the largest and most impressive private homes. Luxurious house from the Roman republic, contains many art pieces. Highly sophisticated, 3,000 square meters, and consists of many rooms. The entrance is decorated with the Latin message "HAVE" which comes from the Latin word "Ave" meaning "Hail" and translating to "be well." Much use of stone building materials and decorative mosaics.

• House of the Vettii - Luxurious residence owned by two successful freedmen. The wall frescoes are very well preserved. The house was build around two compluviums which open up to the sky. There were many rooms such as the entry portico, dining room, living spaces, guest room, servant quarters, etc. The entire home decor is unified with bold outlining colors such as yellows and reds with contrasting black backgrounds of large frescoes.    

Influence on Today

       Stone mosaics and bold contrasting trims and colors.

Until next class!